Through ‘The Early Career Undergraduate Research Experience’ at Pasadena City College, students are exposed to scientific research early in their careers, engaging in interdisciplinary projects with a broader impact in terms of energy, the environment and emerging scientific technologies. Through eCURe, students integrate concepts from their science courses into a research-based setting, generating novel questions, designing experiments, conducting research and analyzing the results. In our algae biotechnology project, students are investigating biodiesel production from renewable resources. In our sustainable paints project, our eCURe students have developed methods to synthesize sustainable paints and test their properties, which they have crafted into mini-lessons to engage local high school and middle school students in scientific outreach efforts aimed at helping younger students understand chemical concepts in an original way, inspiring the next generation of young scientists. This includes remote access to our scanning electron microscope at PCC for analysis. Here, we present the scientific results produced by eCURe students through these two projects, as well as artwork highlighting the artistic paints with connections to chemistry, sustainability, and the environment.

Synthesis of sustainable materials – paints & biofuels – through the early career undergraduate research experience (<i>e</i>CUR<i>e</i>) at Pasadena City College

251st National Meeting (2016)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.

Synthesis of sustainable materials – paints & biofuels – through the early career undergraduate research experience (eCURe) at Pasadena City College